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Newsletters>
MPR Newsletter #2
January 1, 2008
Strategies for selling your house quickly in today’s
market.
You’ve probably heard in the news that the real estate
market is in a slump these days. However there are homes in
every neighborhood that are selling quickly for a good
price. So what’s the secret to maximizing your chances of
selling your house quickly for the best price? Here are
some tips to help you on your way!
Price it right
The days of pricing your house above market value and
watching the offers come pouring in are now a distant
memory. With the current cooler market in the Midwest, it’s
more important than ever to be realistic in competitively
pricing your house.
Get accurate, up to date comparables of sold properties
from a Realtor®
If you want to sell your house in 30-60 days, pay close
attention to the time other properties were on the market
before they sold and set your asking price accordingly. If
your neighbors’ comparable houses sold for top dollar after
10-12 months on the market, it’s unreasonable to expect the
same price in 30-60 days.
Don’t get greedy. Remember, holding out for the highest
possible price may mean months of waiting for the right
buyer and paying all the costs of holding the property. Do
the math. You may be better off by pricing your house a
little lower than the competition and selling it quicker.
First Impressions
Remember that phrase – First impressions last?
This is especially true for potential home buyers. Imagine
putting yourself in the buyer’s shoes and pull up to your
house as if you were the buyer. Potential buyers will be
forming their “first impressions” from the moment they
arrive outside your house. That’s why curb appeal is so
important.
What do you see when you look at the outside of your house
with an unbiased eye? Do you see well manicured
landscaping, freshly painted woodwork, clean & well
maintained driveway and sidewalks? Are you saying to
yourself “Wow!, this house looks very well taken care of”
or are you thinking “Uhmm...I hope the inside looks better
than the outside!”
Freshen the look – Create the “WOW!” factor
Every room in the house should have something about it that
has your buyer thinking “Wow, that’s awesome” These don’t
have to be major (or costly) items. Some ideas are: New
Faucets in the kitchen and bathrooms, fresh neutral colored
paint, steam-cleaned or new carpets, new kitchen and
bathroom cabinet hardware.
De-clutter/De-personalize
We collect an amazing quantity of “stuff” over the years,
and even though it might be on shelves or otherwise neatly
stacked, it takes up space, making an otherwise good-sized
room feel small to buyers. A good rule-of-thumb when you
are sorting thought this stuff is: if you haven't used it
in over a year, you probably don't need it. Why not donate
it or throw it away?
Pack up those personal photographs, nick-knacks and family
heirlooms. You want buyers to imagine themselves moving in
to the house, with their own photos on the walls, their own
“stuff”, and they can't do that if yours are there! Think
of this as some pre-packing! After all, you are planning to
move out when you sell the house. Clean off everything on
kitchen counters and leave only a handful of
books/ornaments on bookshelves.
You might even consider using a professional home-stager to
arrange furniture and add accent items to transform your
house in the home buyers want.
   
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